By Adele Bebbington-Plant, Director and Head of Wills, Trusts & Estates

The work we cover in the Wills, Trusts & Estates department is hugely varied, from simple Wills to Trusts and complex estates.

In this my fifth blog post I wanted to give a brief overview of the type of work we do and why I think we are so good at it.

Wills 
As they are within our teams’ title you would expect Wills to form a large body of our work. A Will is something that everyone should have; yet only about a third of people do. Making a Will ensures that when you die, your property and affairs will be dealt with in-line with your wishes.. 

Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection
The preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) is a mainstay of our workload. Ensuring that you have the right people in place to look after your health and finances during your lifetime should the need arise. Should an individual loose mental capacity without an LPA in place we can help with an application to the court of protection for a deputyship order. Though this is a much slower, more expensive and intrusive route, it can provide a solution for finances but is a poor substitute for health and welfare issues. In addition, as solicitors we are often named as attorneys in LPAs, act on behalf of lay attorneys and as court appointed deputies. 

Administration of Estates 
It is always sad to lose a loved one. Our team of specialist solicitors understand the importance of delivering a sensitive and effective service while supporting our clients through what is already a very difficult time.

We can deal with the process of estate administration from the initial practical steps through to obtaining a Grant of Probate and on to full settlement of the estate. We deal with all types and values of estates from small estates, where no inheritance tax is payable to complex, taxable and high value estates involving agricultural and business assets and property in foreign countries.

Administration of Trusts 

Trust law is seen as a complex area even among lawyers. Our team includes experienced specialists. We are able to advice on the creation, reorganisation and winding up of trusts plus the related highly technical inheritance tax, income tax and capital gains tax laws. We also deal with all aspects of trust administration including advising trustees as to their duties and responsibilities.

Why are we so good at it? 

In short, we care! As I mentioned in my earlier blog, when you choose to work with us, we aim to be your advisers for life! 

We take time to get to know our clients so that we can provide them with the best possible advice. The relationships we build with our clients has really been brought home to me this year. I have been honoured during lockdown to be invited to funerals of clients I have worked with. Being told ‘dad would have wanted you to be there, we want you to be there’, notwithstanding the restricted numbers is deeply humbling. 

We have a wealth of expertise and experience within our department and in the wider business.

We work collaboratively to ensure that we can provide practical solutions for our clients and with other departments such as our Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) for Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning – enabling us to offer a full range of services and a complete solution under one roof.

Until next time.
Adele

Get in touch with Cullimore Dutton Solicitors on 01244 356 789 or email info@cullimoredutton.co.uk